OCRACOKE, N.C. -- A state of emergency has been issued for Hyde County by the board of commissioners, and mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Ocracoke Island.

A statement issued Tuesday said a mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island visitors will begin at 5 a.m. Wednesday. Resident and non-resident property owners, vendors and critical infrastructure providers will be permitted to travel to and from the island, but must be able to show proof to gain access.

Ocracoke Island property owners, including residents and non-residents, are under a mandatory evacuation order beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday. Only emergency personnel and vendors will be granted access to the island that day.

Ferries to and from Ocracoke Island will run as scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday, but not on Friday.

A decision on mandatory evacuation for Hyde County mainland residents is expected on Wednesday.

The State Ferry system will be assisting the with evacuation, the schedule is as follows: